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The Anam Cara
Freud said dreams reveal repressed desires…but could they actually show you past realities?
Vivian struggles to find her place in the world after a tragic accident strikes her family. Staying with her favorite aunt while she’s on leave from college, she feels adrift. Journaling her hyper-realistic dreams is the only thing keeping her grounded.
After meeting a charming and somehow familiar stranger, she gains a sense of belonging with him, but also more questions as their relationship blossoms. Vivian’s life becomes even more confusing once an odd man begins pressuring her about a specific gemstone. Insisting she knows nothing about it, Vivian’s world is upended when she has a dream of such gem that leads to a bombshell about her past.
Can all these things be tied together, or is it all just a dream?
Vivian struggles to find her place in the world after a tragic accident strikes her family. Staying with her favorite aunt while she’s on leave from college, she feels adrift. Journaling her hyper-realistic dreams is the only thing keeping her grounded.
After meeting a charming and somehow familiar stranger, she gains a sense of belonging with him, but also more questions as their relationship blossoms. Vivian’s life becomes even more confusing once an odd man begins pressuring her about a specific gemstone. Insisting she knows nothing about it, Vivian’s world is upended when she has a dream of such gem that leads to a bombshell about her past.
Can all these things be tied together, or is it all just a dream?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2022
8 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 12, 2022
I couldn’t put this one down. I found myself holding my breath at times as Vivian navigated her way in search of answers surrounding her mysterious dreams. Full of mystique and intrigue with a touch of spooky and a dash of spice this book he everything I love all wrapped into one.
February 13, 2022
If you like mystery, creativity, sweet love with a little spice, well-paced stories, a fun Aunt for a sidekick, and interesting plots, this is the story for you. The book made it extremely difficult to put down and get my to-do list done. The author did a great job of balancing the intrigue with the spice, just enough to make your imagination run away with you. I'll be reading this author again, without any question.
February 3, 2022
So, really a 4.5. I really enjoyed this story of love across time. April Berry is quickly becoming a favorite new author. Her style is sweet and soft and exactly what you need in this current hellscape of reality.
January 13, 2022
I was really excited to dig into this book after reading the description. It seemed suspenseful with a touch of the paranormal, and that's right up my alley! Vivian's story drew me in right away, from the heartbreaking occurrences in the first few chapters to how she picks up the pieces months later. The suspense is gripping and the descriptions are clear and vivid. There's steamy romance, mystery and intrigue--what more could you ask for? I don't want to spoil anything, so my advice is to just pick up your copy and read it! I think you'll get as lost in the story as I did.
February 13, 2022
May contain spoilers... kinda(?) This book was less spicy than I was used to reading, so I wasn't sure if it wasn't going to keep my interest. THAT. WAS. NOT. A. PROBLEM. The plot was intriguing enough to make the spice factor almost unimportant. There was spice but it was placed just right. It held my interest and made me eager to know what happened. Viv and Jake were an adorable couple, you couldn't help but root for. While she figured her way through the mystery and questions on top of questions, my need for answers grew. The use of dreams was fun and very well executed. Now, I kind of want to know all the details of how they handled all the other times in the past. Overall, I would definitely suggest this book. As a matter of fact, I'm suggesting it to my daughters.
October 27, 2022
I cant believe I put off reading this as long as I did. I love April Berry's other books, but knowing this was different made me hesitate-why? This was a great book! Vivian and Jakes stories are wonderful and the mysterious and magical storyline was so refreshing (even if its different than I typically read.) Definitely check it out
January 13, 2022
Extra Sweet with a little bit of Spice.
Honestly got hooked on the mystery very quickly and couldn't wait to get to the end. I absolutely love Jake and Viv. Sweetest couple ever. Who wouldnt want a Jake of their own?!
Honestly got hooked on the mystery very quickly and couldn't wait to get to the end. I absolutely love Jake and Viv. Sweetest couple ever. Who wouldnt want a Jake of their own?!
January 21, 2022
yes yes YES!
This book absolutely blew me away! I found the author on tiktok and downloaded this book and I am so happy that I did! I loved Vivian and Jakes story and the historical aspects of it made it even more amazing. 10/10 yall need this book in your life!!!
This book absolutely blew me away! I found the author on tiktok and downloaded this book and I am so happy that I did! I loved Vivian and Jakes story and the historical aspects of it made it even more amazing. 10/10 yall need this book in your life!!!
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June 19, 2023Category Ratings are based on a 10 point scale, then averaged and translated into a star rating.
Full disclosure, I only got 12% through the ebook before I returned it on KU and it became my second DNF of the year.
Characters: 1. This was written in first person. So while the character is barely out of high school, the behaviors and thought processes truly seemed more like a 13 year old was retelling her story. The maturity that comes with the tragedy the MC endured was lacking for me.
Atmosphere: 1. This was a case where I felt like I was being told everything, rather than being shown through the MC's eyes what she saw, felt, did. A recital of facts about the world and places. I knew where I was supposed to be, but it wasn't felt.
Writing: 0. See previous notes about recital of facts.
Plot: 0. The intensity in which the love interest latched onto her instantly made me feel such ick.
Intrigue: 0. I got 12% in. 38 pages of a 290 page ebook. This did not interest me as written.
Logic: 0.5. The MC's behavior did not seem remotely logical or believable to me. Even putting myself in my 19 year old self's shoes did not help.
Enjoyment: 0.
This averaged out to a 0.36, which the formula that determines stars told me that is a big ol' goose egg. I've had a bit of a rough patch in the romance department shortly before I picked this up, but I'm not a prude. I also do not believe that I was projecting, because I had already read 12 books this year that included some form of romance or relationship, and of those 12, only 3 rated a 4 (which included one straight from the Romance genre), while the rest were all 5 star reads. I include that tidbit for background before I am accused of hating on romance.
Full disclosure, I only got 12% through the ebook before I returned it on KU and it became my second DNF of the year.
Characters: 1. This was written in first person. So while the character is barely out of high school, the behaviors and thought processes truly seemed more like a 13 year old was retelling her story. The maturity that comes with the tragedy the MC endured was lacking for me.
Atmosphere: 1. This was a case where I felt like I was being told everything, rather than being shown through the MC's eyes what she saw, felt, did. A recital of facts about the world and places. I knew where I was supposed to be, but it wasn't felt.
Writing: 0. See previous notes about recital of facts.
Plot: 0. The intensity in which the love interest latched onto her instantly made me feel such ick.
Intrigue: 0. I got 12% in. 38 pages of a 290 page ebook. This did not interest me as written.
Logic: 0.5. The MC's behavior did not seem remotely logical or believable to me. Even putting myself in my 19 year old self's shoes did not help.
Enjoyment: 0.
This averaged out to a 0.36, which the formula that determines stars told me that is a big ol' goose egg. I've had a bit of a rough patch in the romance department shortly before I picked this up, but I'm not a prude. I also do not believe that I was projecting, because I had already read 12 books this year that included some form of romance or relationship, and of those 12, only 3 rated a 4 (which included one straight from the Romance genre), while the rest were all 5 star reads. I include that tidbit for background before I am accused of hating on romance.
January 20, 2024
Epic Love
From the quirky Aunt to Amazing love story and all the many many mysteries in between this book kept me wondering what was coming next and who was being truthful and who might be lying. The vivid flashback of the time periods were very captivating. I can lie I was a little disappointed at the ending it left me needing more! That being said I am going to add a few quotes that hopefully won't give to much away but if you do not want to read them click away now!
Thank you April D. berry for the Wonderful books!
I slid down to my knees to be face to face with him then grabbed his face and drew it to mine. He put his hard arms around me but once I felt them, I wanted to feel his skin. I ran my hands up his shirt then pulled it up over his head.
"I felt like I was going to fall apart if he didn’t move, so I lightly said his name, hoping he would give in to me. “Jake.”I felt like I was going to fall apart if he didn’t move, so I lightly said his name, hoping he would give in to me. “Jake.”
“Vivian, I promise, no matter how long it takes, I’ll keep you safe and we will figure this out. I love you, now, then, and forever.”
From the quirky Aunt to Amazing love story and all the many many mysteries in between this book kept me wondering what was coming next and who was being truthful and who might be lying. The vivid flashback of the time periods were very captivating. I can lie I was a little disappointed at the ending it left me needing more! That being said I am going to add a few quotes that hopefully won't give to much away but if you do not want to read them click away now!
Thank you April D. berry for the Wonderful books!
I slid down to my knees to be face to face with him then grabbed his face and drew it to mine. He put his hard arms around me but once I felt them, I wanted to feel his skin. I ran my hands up his shirt then pulled it up over his head.
"I felt like I was going to fall apart if he didn’t move, so I lightly said his name, hoping he would give in to me. “Jake.”I felt like I was going to fall apart if he didn’t move, so I lightly said his name, hoping he would give in to me. “Jake.”
“Vivian, I promise, no matter how long it takes, I’ll keep you safe and we will figure this out. I love you, now, then, and forever.”
December 2, 2022
I honestly didn’t know what to expect digging into this book but I loved every minute of it! The Anam Cara is a bit different from the other books I’ve read from April, but I think that’s part of what makes it so great.
My whole heart was caught up in the story from start to finish and I’m still not recovered a week later 😅 the secrets, drama, relationships, danger, spice, and just all of it makes this a thrilling read with a whole rollercoaster of emotions. I wish there was a way to include my Dm thread of panic while reading but alas, you’ll just have to take my word for it and read The Anam Cara! 💜💜
My whole heart was caught up in the story from start to finish and I’m still not recovered a week later 😅 the secrets, drama, relationships, danger, spice, and just all of it makes this a thrilling read with a whole rollercoaster of emotions. I wish there was a way to include my Dm thread of panic while reading but alas, you’ll just have to take my word for it and read The Anam Cara! 💜💜
December 31, 2022
This book had me hooked
let me start of by saying this does have loss of Parents, kidnapping and smex scenes. with that being said this so worth the read the mysteries behind Vivian dreams and way April keeps you on your toes trying to figure out how everything is connected had me hooked. this story is paranormal mystery, romance, suspense and spice with a bit of historical past lives that will leaving you trying to figure out who you can trust and who you can't. I really can't wait for book 2 . this 18+
let me start of by saying this does have loss of Parents, kidnapping and smex scenes. with that being said this so worth the read the mysteries behind Vivian dreams and way April keeps you on your toes trying to figure out how everything is connected had me hooked. this story is paranormal mystery, romance, suspense and spice with a bit of historical past lives that will leaving you trying to figure out who you can trust and who you can't. I really can't wait for book 2 . this 18+
February 20, 2022
This is the third book I've read from April D. Berry and once again, I was thoroughly entertained! Filled with romance, humor, and suspense I was lost to the daily grind of life every moment I spent reading these pages - a most welcome escape. I'm thinking this book will be the first of a series and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
March 6, 2023
Amazing Story..
While I wasn't 100% sure what to expect, the plot of this story is absolutely amazing and will grab you and not let go. While not as spicy as I usually read, this book holds up with plot and well developed characters.
While I wasn't 100% sure what to expect, the plot of this story is absolutely amazing and will grab you and not let go. While not as spicy as I usually read, this book holds up with plot and well developed characters.
August 23, 2024
I hope there will be a sequel.
February 2, 2024
I've sat on this review for a couple of weeks and the 5 star rating stands strong for me. I loved this book, it kept me guessing and turning pages because I just needed to know what would happen next. It's contemporary with a paranormal touch. Soul mates without it being over the top instalove or filled with excessive angst. There is some angst but it was necessary. Cozy but enough action to keep you reading. It's wonderful and I highly recommend it. An instant favorite and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews